Consider starting your garden from seeds rather than from sprouts.  A few months before the growing season, acquire your seeds, fold them into paper towels and keep them damp.  As they grow, choose the largest sprouts and put them into peat pots or small containers full of soil.  Wait until they are relatively sturdy before transplanting them.  This can take a lot of the cost out of gardening, as sprouts and young plants cost a lot more than seeds.

You can start a compost pile or a worm bin for a relatively small amount of money.  Compost helps your garden grow a lot more fervently than chemical growth solutions, and it is better for your environment in general.  You don’t have to have an enormous compost heap in the yard; a small one or a drum will do.

Save water.  When the rains come in, put out buckets to catch some water, or even cut off a drainspout and have the water drain into a barrel.  Make sure that the water is covered to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs in the water, but otherwise, you can simply use the water that you catch to water your garden and save on the water bill.

Grow local plants. Local plants will not only be more resistant to disease in the area, but they also tend to be cheaper than exotics.  This can make a huge difference to your garden, and growing local also tends to bring in local pollinators, like bees and butterflies.

For additional tips or assistance in maintaining your garden, yard and other landscaping needs, you can contact Handyman Matters at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code into the zip finder above at www.handymanmatters.com in order to locate the location closest to your home.

The post Affordable Garden Ideas appeared first on Handyman Matters.

When experts express caution about the kinds of mistakes you can make when remodeling your bathroom, you get a lot of warnings that could apply to any renovation project: don’t do it yourself if you don’t have the expertise; hire a reputable contractor or a bathroom specialist; avoid under-budgeting. However, there are some mistakes you can make that are specific to remodeling a bathroom. Below are some of the big ones you should avoid.

Leaving Everyone in the Dark: Lots of older bathrooms were built with inadequate lighting. They might have a single overhead fixture or a couple of bulbs over the mirror, but regardless the lighting is barely adequate to apply make-up or shave. When you’re showering it’s so dim you can’t find the soap. If you want to avoid these frustrations, it’s important that you plan your renovation with lighting in mind. Think of ambient light – from recessed lights or an overhead fixture – as well as task lighting provided by pendant lights or a fixture over the sink (and maybe the shower or toilet if they’re in separate rooms). Remember that proper lighting is also a safety precaution. Your bathroom should be well illuminated so that a guest can maneuver around safely.

Photo courtesy of Case Design Birmingham

Forgetting the Little Things: It’s important to think about the little details, like outlets. A lot of older bathrooms don’t have enough outlets for the volume of hair dryers, straightening irons, electric razors, and other gadgets we use today. When renovating, be sure to include conveniently located outlets. How about storage? If you have a pedestal sink, where will you put all the toiletries people usually store under the sink? Think about towels as well. You need a convenient place in or near the bathroom to store towels and other toiletries. Another little thing to consider is the placement of the toilet paper holder. You want it where it’s a convenient reach from the toilet, but not so close to the shower or sink that it will get wet. And there is nothing worse than using damp toilet paper!

Keeping Up with the Joneses: Yes, your friends may have neon lights or waterfall faucets in their bathrooms, but think about how dated some of these trends will be in 10-20 years – around the time you might be trying to sell the house. Think of all the bathroom trends that seemed to be a good idea at the time, but now make most homeowners cringe: bathrooms tiled all in pink, avocado green or bright yellow fixtures, and Jacuzzi tubs that no one wants. Instead of choosing the latest thing in triangular sinks or red toilets, consider making your bathroom “neutral” in terms of décor. Choose neutral colors that aren’t likely to go out of fashion and classic fixtures in white or off-white. If you want a trendy look, see if you can get it with extras such as towel bars, drawer pulls, or even lighting fixtures. These things are easier for your home’s next owner to replace and aren’t likely to make them cringe.

Photo courtesy of Case Design Birmingham

Bad Space Planning: We’ve all had experience with knocking our knees on the bathtub while using the toilet. Or showering in a stall that even a supermodel would feel was too narrow. Or how about the tubs that look great in the room, but are too short for you to stretch out your legs. The clearance around certain fixtures is in the code, and it’s important to conform to these requirements. However – if you can – you should consider giving yourself more space than the bare minimum. You never know when you might have an extra large guest or someone who has trouble walking or standing. Besides, a feeling of extra space creates a sense of luxury in the room. It’s actually relaxing to have extra space and not feel cramped. When you’re planning out your bathroom remodel, think through where you need the space and where you don’t – and plan accordingly.

Choosing the Wrong Products: The bathroom isn’t like other rooms in your home. The fact that parts of it get wet every day means that you need products that are specifically designed for a damp environment. Bathrooms need a different kind of paint. They require tiles that are properly sealed to keep moisture out. Even some contractors use the wrong kind of underlayment or backer board so that over time moisture will get inside the wall, causing a whole host of problems. Similarly, you might not be particularly interested in exhaust fans, but it’s important to have one that is the right size for your bathroom (or two in a big bathroom). That could be all that’s standing between you and a major mold problem. So make sure you have the right materials before you start your renovation; it can save you plenty of headaches later on.

About the Author: Brianna Perkle is a freelance writer and guest contributor to Handyman Matters. She enjoys home decorating and remodeling.

The post 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Remodeling Your Bathroom appeared first on Handyman Matters.

The biggest problem that arises from improper upkeep of your air conditioner is that a dirty A/C won’t run as well, which will use extra energy trying to cool your home and cost you more money in electricity over the long haul. To help keep your /AC unit in top shape, here’s a quick how-to guide to make your cooling system work to the best of its ability.

1. Turn off the Power. It’s important to make sure that before you begin cleaning your air conditioning unit, you turn off the power. There’s usually a switch on the side of the unit, or there could be a block that you pull out to turn the power off.

2. Vacuum the Fins. Use a shop vac or vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to clean off the slats (also called fins) and remove any dirt, dust or debris that may be stopping up the fins.

3. Clean Inside the Unit. Take off the fan grill by unscrewing it from the top of the unit. Gently take a hose and clean off the fins or slats from the inside of the unit, making sure to be careful not to use too much pressure, which might damage the fins.

4. Put it all together again. Screw the fan grill back onto the top of the unit, plug the unit back in, and enjoy the benefits of your properly maintained air conditioning unit.

For more tips on how to maintain your home’s heating and cooling systems, call your Handyman Matters craftsman at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME and let us help you keep your home’s systems up-to-date and running well. You can also enter your zip code above to find a Handyman Matters in your neighborhood.

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Are you a “snowbird,” dividing your time between summer homes in the US and winter residences in Canada?  Or do you have aging parents who don’t live close, and who aren’t able to properly care for their homes any longer?

If circumstances have you leaving your property for any reason, you can often engage a house sitter to water your plants and look after your pets.  But oftentimes there are issues that require attention beyond the scope of what a traditional housesitting service is able to provide.

If you live in Canada or Minnesota half the year and in Arizona or Florida the other half, your property needs more maintenance than a pal or even a bonded house sitter can undertake.  Or if your aging parents or other relatives live halfway across the country and depend on you to look after them, it’s unlikely you have the ability to check in to make sure everything in their house is operating with total efficiency as often as you’d like.

Handyman Matters’ Home Away From Home Program can handle the more maintenance-intense tasks to keep your home well maintained year-round. Here are just some of the services we provide:

• Remove all junk flyers, business cards, newspapers, garbage and miscellaneous items off of your property
• Sweep and clean entryway of debris
• Check outside perimeter of fences, windows, gates and doors to ensure security around the premise
• Visual roof inspection for possible weather damage during extreme seasons and bird nesting
• Ensure all landscaping is receiving the necessary irrigation and confirm that landscaper is showing up and doing the work you are paying for
• Take a monthly photo of the weather meter (upon request)
• Check breaker box for tripped breakers and make sure there has not been any tampering
• Inspect hot tub, spa or pool to make certain your pool company is making consistent visits
• Check interior for any unusual odors and hot/cold temperatures
• Turn on and run all water facilities
• Check timers for proper scheduling
• Refrigerator temperatures are noted and food that is expired, tossed
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Look for pests inside the property in all rooms
• Start car and run for a few minutes
• Turn on A/C or heat and ensure it is blowing cold or hot air

If you are responsible for looking after your parents or other loved ones and you do not live in close proximity to them, consider calling Handyman Matters to help you with the following aging in place projects which will allow your relatives to continue to live safely in their homes and give you peace of mind when you are not able to be with them:

Seniors

• Install handrails and grab bars
• Non-skid flooring
• Wheelchair ramps and widen doors
• Kitchen and bathroom hazards
• Railings
• Lighting
• Exterior evaluation
• Overall accessibility

Handyman Matters Home Away From Home Program is designed to give traveling homeowners, snowbirds or individuals worried about the safety of distant relatives, peace of mind knowing that their properties are being well maintained while they are away. For further information, call 1-800-FIX-MY-HOME or go to www.handymanmatters.com where you can enter your zip code and find Handyman Matters locations across the US and in Canada.

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May – the tail end of spring and the precursor of summer – is the time when homeowners really need to kick their home DIY projects into high gear. With mild weather and sunny days, it’s the perfect time to take care of smaller outdoor tasks that aren’t ideal to handle in winter.

Follow these handy tips to keep your home up-to-date with repairs and maintenance during the month of May.

1.  Inspect and Tighten Screws and Nails on Decks and Patios.

Wood changes from season to season, warping and contracting with the changes in weather and temperature. Boards have a tendency to loosen if they aren’t maintained, which can cause accidents if they aren’t taken care of. To keep your deck or patio in top shape, tighten screws and hammer in protruding nails carefully to ensure that you don’t cause the boards to crack by over tightening.

2.  Clean and Seal Decks and Railings.

Decks and railings should be cleaned and sealed every year to extend their life. Usually it’s the top horizontal parts of the railing that need the most attention. It is also important to keep in mind that whatever product you start using should be used continually year over year to prevent any incompatibility issues.

3.  Inspect Concrete for Cracks.

Cracks, chips and shifting can occur in concrete. Make sure that you thoroughly inspect for all of these things. For cracks, you can grind with an angle grinder to a minimum of 1/8” and fill with a DOT spec “Bridge Grade Self-Leveling Caulk”. Only fill halfway, since it will expand as it dries. This will take care of filling cracks.

For any separation between the concrete and a wall over ½”, add a backer rod (a foam, flexible rod) to fill the gap and give the caulk something to sit on top of and stick to. If chipping and/ or missing chunks are the problem, scrape off any loose material and fill it in with “rockite”. Afterwards, texture it to match the surrounding finish for a perfect final appearance.

4.  Test Smoke Detectors.

Always test smoke detectors and CO2 detectors to make sure they’re still in working order. Replace batteries to prevent the possibility of them losing power. Also, push the button to test if the device is working.

5.  Double Check for Carpet Damages.

Stains, popped seams, and rumples are typical issues that homeowners face with carpet damage. Small stains can be removed easily with WD-40 or other household cleaners (test a small area first for discoloration). Popping seams in small areas can typically be fixed with a glue gun and frayed pieces need to be cut and covered with glue to prevent further unraveling. “Rumples” are areas where the carpet has a wavy look. These can be fixed with a “knee knicker” – a tool with a pad and teeth that grabs carpet and tightens it by pulling it further over the tack strip at the outside edge.

6.  Check for Rips, Tears and Curling in Linoleum.

For common rips in linoleum, re-glue with the manufacturer’s recommended glue. For tears that might happen, re-glue with a clear vinyl-seaming adhesive. Curling means that nothing is holding down the outside edge. These edges need to be covered and held down by molding, transition strips, adhesive caulk or other materials to prevent curling and allowing water and dirt under the flooring.

If any of these DIY projects are too much for you to take on or you just simply don’t have enough time in your day, call the experienced professionals at Handyman Matters today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location in your area.

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Types of Wood

There are many types of wood, but the most popular used for hardwood floors are:

• Red Oak
• White Oak
• Birch
• Beech
• Pine
• Cherry
• Douglas Fir

Once you choose the type of wood you want to install, you’ll need to select a finish. Finishes are important because they seal in the wood and help protect it from moisture and every day wear and tear. It also provides a sleek, finished look to the surface.

The most common types of finishes are:

• Oil-based Urethane
• Water-based Urethane
• Moisture-cured Urethane
• Conversion Varnish

Understanding the Cost

Flooring is priced by the square foot, and hardwood floors can range from the relatively inexpensive ($2 per square foot) to far more expensive for exotic woods (up to $13-$14 per square foot), with the average wood floor ranging around $8 per square foot.

Now that you know what type of floor and finish you’d like, and you have an idea of what it will cost, let’s take a look at some other factors that will determine the best type of wood flooring for your home.

1. The room’s usage - Depending on what room in which the flooring is being installed, different types of hardwood may be more appropriate. For instance, a living room might take more traffic and general wear than a spare bedroom or a home office.

2. The room’s decor - Keep in mind how the room is going to be decorated (colors, themes, furniture). These elements will also dictate which type of flooring will look best, since hardwoods vary in color.

3. The wood’s grade – The grade of the wood should always be considered, since this tells how durable and prone to defects, scratches and dents a wood will be. Higher grades are more durable, while lower grades will retain more dents and scratches.

Whichever type of wood you decided to purchase for your floors, call the experts at Handyman Matters at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME to take care of the installation from start to finish. You can also enter your zip code above to find a location near you.

The post Choosing a Hardwood Floor appeared first on Handyman Matters.

If you’re thinking of doing anything with hardwood when planning for this year’s home improvement season, it would behoove your wallet, your planet and your sanity to install wood with a longer shelf life. “Of course,” you say to yourself. “That’s why I prefer cedar.”

But what if there was another type of wood that lasted twice as long as the toughest wood grown in North America? What if there was a type of wood that withstood the elements better, was more resistant to bugs and termites, and was more reluctant to bend and warp over time?

We may have to get our passports for this one.

Key Benefits of Central and South American Hardwood

Ipe. Cumaru. Garapa. Jatoba. Tigerwood.

These are just a few of the more well-known varieties of natural hardwood grown in Central and South America that have the potential to save you money and time in your next home improvement project.

 Here are the top 6 reasons these types of wood are better for you than their North American counterparts:

1. More Resilient

Central and South American hardwoods are more resilient in the face of adverse conditions and less prone to rot and decay – Central and South America are much harsher climates where the trees have to endure standing water for months at a time in addition to ravenous attacks by insects that put termites to shame. Let this hardwood turn the laws of Darwin in your favor.

2. No Annual Maintenance Required

Conventional hardwood requires annual pressure treatments with toxic chemicals to ensure long-lasting effectiveness. Central and South American hardwoods are much more durable and naturally last twice as long as North American hardwood without chemicals.

3. Better for the Environment

In the same vein, they are better for the environment due to this lack of chemicals. These toxic chemicals are harmful to the health of your family as well as the environment in the form of run-off – when it rains, the chemicals get into the groundwater and, ultimately, into rivers and lakes, poisoning natural wildlife in addition to our own water supply.

4. Last More Than Twice as Long as Conventional Hardwood

They are also better for the environment because they last more than twice as long – some for 40-75 years. The use of natural, longer-lasting materials helps to reduce waste accumulation, easily trumping woods like pine, cedar and redwood.

5. Fire Resistant

Some types of Central and South American hardwood, like Ipe, have a “Class A” fire rating – the same fire rating as concrete.

6. More Custom Color Options

A larger variety of shades and colors, like those offered by Brazilian hardwood, allow homeowners more choices to get the most custom look possible. Hardwoods like tiger wood have a unique texture with striking black and brown streaks – hence the name.

Composite wood substitutes, and what marketers have for years tried to pass off as the equivalent of natural wood, have largely been successful because they have only been compared to North American hardwood, so they tended to last longer and were less expensive.

But now it’s time to up the ante on your home improvement and go green with a more durable, longer-lasting and more attractive look. This can only be achieved via the preferential use of  Central and South American hardwood.

Jeff Hirz is a guest contributor to Handyman Matters and part-time DIYer. He contributed this article on behalf of www.bwdepot.com to promote healthy wallets and a healthy planet.

The post Central and South American Hardwood: Preserving Your Wallet and Your Planet appeared first on Handyman Matters.

1. Reduces the Number of Slips and Falls

Slips and falls are the biggest problem that aging adults face in their home. Whether it’s a slippery hallway or poorly lighted rooms, adding handrails can drastically decrease falls in the home, grab bars and re-arranging furniture in the bedroom, bathroom, hallways and kitchen.

2. Navigation is Simplified

Oftentimes our homes aren’t laid out in a manner that’s easy for walking and navigating. There may be pieces of furniture that jut out into the hallway and make it hard to maneuver around. In addition, a slippery rug in a hallway can create a dangerous surface. By modifying the layout of furniture and different rooms, it’s easy to create an environment that’s easier to negotiate – especially if assistance with a cane, walker or wheelchair is necessary.

3. Cooking Becomes Safer and More Accessible

As we age, we become more susceptible to arthritis, and our grip becomes less effective. This can be overcome by switching door and cabinet handles with models that are easier to grasp, as well as replacing utensils, pots and pans with ones that have larger and more ergonomic shaped handles.

4. Drastically Increases Independence

Installing handrails and bars in bathrooms, installing automatic lights and other home modifications can increase a person’s independence for a longer amount of time. These types of modifications help keep seniors safe and independent while giving them the ability to go about their daily activities.

5. Maintains a Current Standard of Living

One of the biggest fears of most people as they age is a fear of having to leave their home. However, this can be delayed if a home is properly set up and modified to make it easier for aging adults to continue to live their lives.

Handyman Matters offers aging in place services to help you remain independent and safe in your home. By implementing universal design elements in bathrooms, kitchens and through the house, we can help you transform your home into a living space that functions efficiently for all ages and conditions. Let us perform our free 50-point assessment on your home to uncover risks you might be facing. Call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location in your area.

The post 5 Tips For Preparing Your Home For Aging In Place appeared first on Handyman Matters.

In the summer of 2012 Handyman Matters locations all across the county launched The Handyman Matters Great American Home Makeover. Now, the grand prize winner, Samuel Alexander, of Aurora, Colorado is enjoying his new updated bathroom.

The Denver Post went to The Alexander home to check in on them and see how they are enjoying their new bathroom and what they thought of the experience. Full story below or click here.

To read more information about the winners of this contest click here to see full post.

Stay tuned for more information regarding The Handyman Matters Great American Home Makeover coming summer of 2013!

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“We created this to reward valuable customers with the opportunity to complete their home renovations,” stated Andy Bell, Founder of Handyman Matters Franchise Corp.

Grand Prize Winner, Samuel Alexander, lives outside of Denver with his wife Tanya. Alexander had some home exterior siding repaired by his local Handyman Matters (Central Denver and Aurora location, franchisees Steve and Jan Attebery) in early 2012. Months later, he received a phone call informing him that he had won the Handyman Matters Great American Home Makeover Grand Prize, $10,000 bathroom remodel.

“My wife and I were ecstatic,” expressed Alexander, “We have wanted to remodel our bathroom for a while now.”

Working as a medical technician for HealthOne while also an Air Force Reservist assigned to a flying squadron at Peterson Air Force Base, finding the time to remodel his bathroom was difficult. The couple had discussed remodeling their bathroom in stages, doing little projects here and there. That discussion is now over, thanks to Handyman Matters.

Steve and Jan Attebery, owners of the Handyman Matters Central Denver & Aurora store, and their certified handymen executed the remodel.

Central Denver Handymen, Brian Attebery and Jon Boyer demolish the Alexander’s old bathroom on March 11 to begin the remodel transformation. Photo by John Murphy.

Most of the remodel materials were donated. The Alexander’s new master bathroom has a modern and natural ambiance thanks to a fresh coat of paint donated by Behr Paint; new marble sink and counter top donated by Benray Designer Marble; energy efficient faucets and fixtures donated by Moen; and a redesigned vanity area, donated by Creative Specialties and Elias Woodwork. M S International provided the tub to ceiling glass tile along with new flooring; and WEDI donated the waterproof shower backing.

Corporate team member, Ram Randolph, stops by to lend a helping hand in constructing new cabinets for the vanity area. Photo by John Murphy.

The finished bathroom was revealed to the homeowners on March 20.

Corporate team member, Ram Randolph, stops by to lend a helping hand in constructing new cabinets for the vanity area. Photo by John Murphy.

Samuel and Tanya Alexander in their newly remodeled bathroom. Photo by John Murphy.

Second Prize Winner, Amanda Doan, of Austin, TX, received a Handyman for a day, which was provided by Handyman Matters of Austin & Williamson County.

Handyman Matters of Austin & Williamson County sent out Aaron Kuntschik, one of their skilled craftsmen, to help Doan with the second phase of her bathroom remodel. Doan had already started on her remodel by tearing out the existing shower tiles.

In a span of only 8 hours, Kuntschik was able to remove the existing shower enclosure, perform the needed plumbing repairs, and install the backing to prep the shower area for the final phase of the remodeling project: the installation of the tile work.

Plumbing repairs are performed after the original shower enclosure is removed. Photos courtesy Handyman Matters franchisee, TJ Bass.

Backing is installed to prepare the shower area for tiling. Photos courtesy Handyman Matters franchisee, TJ Bass.

Doan later contacted Handyman Matters of Austin & Williamson County to thank them for their help and to let them know about her successful completion of the shower tiling project. Because of the superior service provided, Doan has requested their services again to help her with more of her planned kitchen and bath remodeling projects.

Customers who completed at least one, four-hour job with any participating franchise location between July 1 and September 30, 2012 were automatically entered for a chance to win one of the prizes.

More good news for these lucky homeowners, “The resale value of their home has increased,” says Colleen Teitelbaum of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

The post Meet the Winners of Handyman Matters Great American Home Makeover appeared first on Handyman Matters.

English Modern

These cabinets feature handsome crown molding with furniture-style legs. A black-matte finish on the island provides a striking and pleasant contrast to the creamy-white wall cabinets. The thin fluting, traditional legs and beaded-board panels make these cabinets look like those in a modern English country estate.

The Urban

This style presents flat-front cabinet doors stained in coffee-dark. The drawer pulls are recessed and fashioned of stainless steel. The upper cabinets are glass-front for convenience and depth.

Italian Style

The Tuscan-touch is featured in this style of cabinet. These cabinets present various colors front and center to draw attention to different zones in the kitchen. The primary cabinets feature a butter hue with a glaze that’s properly stressed. The workstation island is executed in dark walnut brown. Finally, the Tuscan touch makes itself properly known with an Italian mantelpiece architecture framed around the cooking area.

Scandinavian Cabinets

The Scandinavian design is well anointed for the modern kitchen. These cabinets sell a bold perspective with their sharp, linear lines. The brown cabinet faces are simple slabs of wood that march smartly and evenly from floor to ceiling, across the entire kitchen. The workstation shows lime greens and cool grays to strike a broad contrast in color.

Retro Chic

This style features an interesting blend of contemporary and classic. Sandblasted glass doors, chrome hardware and a warm ebony stain all add to an updated, modern effect.

White Classical

The timeless white cabinet kitchen has been updated with intricate millwork that includes recessed drawers, wide ceiling molding and raised-panel doors. The design creates bold shadows and highlights that make these cabinets ageless.

Clean and Contemporary

The straightforward geometry of verticle lines gives this design a modem sleekness. These cabinets feature horizontal pulls, slab doors and thin walnut trim. The upper cabinet doors are tinted and rise up on European style hinges.

For more kitchen cabinet design ideas or to hire a craftsman to complete the install, contact Handyman Matters at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location in your area.

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For significantly less than the price of a new tub, you can make your old one look brand new. NOTE: Refinishing your bathtub is not for the faint of heart. It requires the use of toxic chemicals that give out strong fumes, and without extreme caution, it will not look good or last long. Unless you are extremely confident in your DIY skills, we recommend hiring a skilled handyman to do the work for you. It’s still cheaper than buying a new tub, but the results will be much better. If you’re brave, and you have the necessary protective gear, read on:

First, you need to prep. Before touching a single paintbrush, use a scraper to remove the caulk around your tub, and unscrew and remove any hardware inside your bathtub (like the drain plug circle and overflow cover). Then use plastic and painter’s tape to cover anything near the tub that you don’t want painted.

Second, you need to thoroughly clean out your tub. Use an abrasive cleaner, followed by something like Lime-A-Way to remove any traces of soap scum, rust, mineral buildups, and anything else that might cause paint to stick poorly.

Next, use some wet-sand sandpaper to thoroughly scour the surface of the tub. This will both help in getting rid of any remaining dirt, oils, and minerals, as well as providing a more even surface. The additional roughness will also help the bathtub glaze to stick better and will lead to a more durable finish. Wash the wet-sand away as you’re sanding.

Then, put on your safety glasses, thick gloves, and respirator, and mix your finishing epoxy to the manufacturer’s specifications and start painting. You can use a brush and roller, making sure to feather the edges so that you don’t have obvious lines forming between strokes. A better bet, though, is to use a spray gun. You will get more even coverage and a much more professional finish.  After applying one thin coat, let it sit and dry. Then apply your second coat.  Make sure you paint in one direction, and don’t worry about bubbles; they will settle as the epoxy dries.

Finally, re-attach the fixtures and run a smooth bead of caulk or silicone along the edge. Smooth it down with a wet finger to get a really professional touch!

If all of this seems like more than you are willing to undertake, don’t hesitate to contact us at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find the phone number and location to an office nearest you.

The post How To Refinish Your Bathtub appeared first on Handyman Matters.

1. Clean and Adjust Ceiling Fans. You probably didn’t need to use your ceiling fans much over the winter, so getting them in shape for the warmer months means cleaning them (they get pretty dusty on top), and reversing the direction that the fan turns. In the summer, having cool air blowing downwards is more comfortable, while during the winter, having hot air directed up by the fan and then down the walls is better. There is generally a switch on the body of the fan or near the pull chain to reverse its direction.
2. Inspect Chimney Cap and Masonry. Moisture and weather can begin to wear down and deteriorate the chimney cap (the flat part at the very tip of the chimney). If there’s been a lack of maintenance and the bricks have started to break loose, it can become expensive to fix.
3. Inspect Siding, Soffit and Fascia Boards.  The horizontal boards underneath the eaves are the soffit boards, and the vertical boards that are attached to the gutter are the fascia boards. If there are cracks and/or separations within those boards, water can penetrate which causes additional damage. If this has happened, replace each board as needed.
4. Change out Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries.  Even if they seem to be testing ok, it’s always better to play it safe and change out these batteries before they die.
5. Inspect, Clean, and Re-attach Gutters.  Signs such as roofing nails or pieces of shingles in the gutters might be an indication that the roof needs inspecting. Check for rusting along the bottom of the gutters and make sure that gutter extensions discharge water at least three inches away from the house.
6. Check Your Roof for Missing Shingles, Proper Installation and Other Issues.  Roofs can have a myriad of problems if proper annual upkeep isn’t a focus for homeowners. Make sure that there are no gaps around pipes and corners of roof, and double check to make sure that shingles extend ¾” past the roof decking to allow water to drip into the gutter. If there’s inadequate clearance, the water will run down the fascia boards and cause rotting. Add either a row of shingles around the roof to add aluminum flashing to fix these problems.

These quick and handy tips can help you make sure your home maintenance is up to date and prepared for the coming months. Handyman Matters has additional tips to help prepare you for the summer season – Enter your zip code above or call us at 1-866-FIX –MY-HOME to book your appointment today!

The post DIY: Home Maintenance Tips for April appeared first on Handyman Matters.

Keep reading for ways to boost your home’s value with these quick and easy projects around your house.

Spruce up the Color with a Fresh Paint Job

One of the quickest, easiest and most cost-effective ways to increase the value of your house is to repaint. Focus on the interior paint – especially in the most social rooms of the house (i.e., the living room, dining room, and kitchen). This will give your home an updated and clean look, and will likely move an appraiser to increase the value of your home.

Replace Appliances with Energy Saving Appliances

Old appliances that are less energy efficient can end up causing a homebuyer to spend more money each year in utility fees. Make your home more appealing by replacing toilets and showers with low-flush and low-flow alternatives that use much less water. Also, consider replacing kitchen appliances with more energy efficient models and replacing windows with better insulated versions.

Make Household Repairs

Have a loose cabinet door or a light switch that doesn’t function? Making small replacements can be a big difference when it comes to your home’s value – especially when you have an outside appraiser visiting.

Invest in Some Strategic Landscaping

The outside look of the house is extremely important for a home valuation. It provides the first impression and can add to the overall appearance of your home. More importantly, an overgrown lawn and messy yard can detract significantly from a home’s value since it makes it appear older and poorly maintained. Add a flower bed or some shrubs to accent your home’s exterior.

These handy tips can help boost the value of your home significantly without any major renovations or remodeling. If you’re trying to increase your home’s resale value, consider giving the home experts at Handyman Matters a call at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME to set up a consultation or, enter your zip code above to find a location in your area. We can help you figure out what improvements your home needs and which are the most vital to your home’s ability to sell in an ever-changing market.

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To make this process simple, Handyman Matters has compiled a list of the five most important safety measures every parent needs to take. This is by no means an exclusive list, but it’s a good starting point, and will go a long way towards making your home as child-proof as it can possibly be.

1. Install safety latches on cabinets. Dangerous chemicals and cleaning agents should never be left out in the open since they’re often easy for children to get into and are poisonous. Install safety latches on cabinets that house these chemicals, and if possible, always keep them in a cabinet high enough that prying hands can’t reach.

2. Check for lead paint. Lead poisoning is a serious health risk for adults and children alike. Homes built within the last thirty years don’t run the risk of lead paint, but older houses and apartments should always be checked by a professional.

3. Install childproof outlet covers. The most commonly offered bit of advice for childproofing is installing outlet covers to make sure that young ones don’t stick a finger or other foreign object (like a pencil or a toy) into an outlet. Also, make sure you get outlet covers that are specifically designed to keep children safe, as they’re much more difficult to get off than basic outlet covers.

4. Use anti-scald devices on faucets and shower heads. Many homes, especially older homes, may not have proper precautions installed to keep young children from burning themselves. If you have older plumbing or an older hot water heater, you should seriously consider installing an anti-scalding device in your plumbing. While devices come in DIY, faucet-mounted versions, we strongly recommend having a trained plumber install pipe-mounted versions just downstream of your water heater.

5. Bolt bookshelves and other furniture to the wall. Instructions for self-assembled furniture always caution buyers to bolt the furniture to the walls. When you have young children in the house, this goes double. In fact, even wide and low furniture that normally does not need extra anchoring should be secured. Always make sure that you are using the proper screws, and if at all possible make sure that you secure the anchor bolts to a stud. If you don’t feel comfortable that you can find the studs or secure the bolts and furniture well, make sure you call a professional carpenter or handyman.

For assistance, call 866-FIX-MY-HOME or go enter your zip code above in order to locate a Handyman Matters business near you.

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There are many products out on the market that can make your home safer for an aging adult, such as bathroom bars, motion sensor lighting, and rubber grips to help keep rugs and carpeting in place. But a surprising number of accidents can be avoided through simply arranging the furniture and layout in your home. Here are four quick living room modifications that will make your home safer for elderly friends and family.

1. Re-arrange furniture to allow for a 4-foot diameter for walking spaces. A 4-foot wide walking area will ensure that there’s no bumping into anything and allows plenty of space for the use of a cane or walker.

2. Make sure there are no sharp edges around walking spaces. Sharp edges can be an even bigger danger for someone if they fall, so make sure that furniture is arranged in such a way that sharp corners and edges are flush against the wall or at least out of any walking paths in the room.

3. Move light switches and thermostats for easy reaching. Thermostats, lights, and other types of switches can sometimes be attached too high to a wall. Make sure that they’re easily reachable so that no standing on a chair or a stool is necessary to make an adjustment.

4. Add lighting or railings to areas around stairs and sunken living spaces. Homes that have multi-levels and use a few stairs to reach the living areas can be a hazard for the elderly. Adding bright overhead lighting or additional railings in those areas can decrease the possibility of a fall.

Handyman Matters offers aging in place services to help you and your loved ones remain independent and safe at home. By implementing universal design elements in bathrooms, kitchens and through the house, we can help you transform your home into a living space that functions efficiently for all ages and conditions. Let us perform our 50 point assessment on your home to uncover risks you might be facing. Call Handyman Matters today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location in your area.

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Well, to start it helps to know the terminology. A typical glass front door is comprised of four distinct elements: the door itself, which is usually (though not always) made of wood, the glass panels, set in the door and comprised of many different kinds and combinations, and optionally sidelights, the windows on either side of the door, and a transom, a glass portion stretching the width of the door and the sidelights. So what are some things to look for when purchasing a new front door?

Mixing and Matching

The most immediate and obvious consideration when choosing a front door with glass components is the glass itself. Glass panels come in a large variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures, and will often have matching sidelights and a transom. The first step is to find some options that match your existing house in look and feel.

Options range from clear to stained to frosted glass. They also include the type of setting the glass comes in, with some doors setting the glass directly into the wood and others using beveled lead glass. It may seem like a lot to choose from, but so long as you keep in mind what your house looks like and what you want it to look like, narrowing down your options should be pretty easy.

Private Eyes

One important feature to consider when purchasing a front door with glass elements is that while the glass lets in plenty of sunshine, it also lets passers-by get a glimpse inside your home.

While this isn’t a major concern if the door you’re looking at only has a few small glass panels, it becomes a much bigger issues if you’re considering an option with large, expansive panels and wide sidelights. Some options for alleviating this problem include using window treatments, or to go with glass panels that are frosted, beveled, or are stained.

A glass front door can make your home more inviting and add a touch of elegance in a way that few improvements can. It might seem like a big decision, and in many ways it is, but if you take your time, think about what you want, and consult your local handyman to see what can be done, you’re sure to love the end result. Call Handyman Matters today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location near you.

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At Handyman Matters, we want to make sure our customers’ homes are safe and not prone to accidents all year round. That’s why we’ve listed out the top 3 benefits to performing a thorough monthly maintenance check of your home.

1. Save money over the long-term

While looking over your property each month and making small repairs and changes can cost you money, the savings compared to having to fix unexpected emergencies can be pretty huge. Many homeowners end up spending thousands of dollars on emergency home repairs when the problem could have been avoided if it had been noticed earlier and taken care of.

2. Saves time and effort

Time is a valuable asset. Working during the week and finding enough time to spend with your family in the evenings and on weekends can be a tricky balancing act. By hiring a handyman or other home expert to look over your home once a month for any maintenance problems, you save a little more time for the more important things in life.

3. Benefits and expertise of a professional

Imagine being able to have a plumber check your home’s water pipes every month to make sure there were no leaks, a roofer check your home’s roofing tiles, and an electrician to make sure there were no loose wires or wiring problems. By having a specialist check your home’s safety and make sure everything is in good shape, you’re leveraging years of quality experience to your benefit.

The experienced craftsmen at Handyman Matters can complete your monthly to-do list to save you time and money. Call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME to schedule your appointment or enter your zip code above to find a Handyman Matters near you.

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While lines of communication can keep job status up to date, it still doesn’t mean that the job is the top priority of the contractor.  Some jobs might take priority over others, but they still shouldn’t have to wait.  Hiring a contractor requires building a relationship that’s based on trust – you need to know that the other person will be there when you need them.

Most home improvement companies require a long lead-time in order to schedule a craftsperson for the job. From the time you first call to get a quote, it could potentially be five to seven weeks before they’re actually ready to execute your job.

On top of that, it’s a pretty typical industry standard to be charged a two to four hour job minimum – often without a quote provided. Handyman Matters operates differently.

Our minimum is one hour and in most cases you will have an idea of how long the project will take before we even arrive. If we can’t provide you with a time frame over the phone, our craftsperson will provide you a time frame when he or she arrives. The craftsperson is there to work for that hour, so we encourage all of our customers to create a list, test our company and get your money’s worth.

We’re also generally able to start your project within a few days after you call – not the standard five to seven weeks. How readily we can respond to emergencies depends on our schedule, but we pride ourselves on being able to quickly accommodate last minute requests.

To find out more about how Handyman Matters maximizes communication on the job, visit our “Consumer Guide to Choosing a Home Repair or Remodeling Contractor” at http://www.handymanmatters.com/Consumer-Guide-Get-Job-Done-Right.asp. We’ve been working had since 1997 to encourage industry change and community consciousness. Enter your zip code above to find a Handyman Matters in your area or call us today to schedule your appointment at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME.

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1. Reduce your carbon footprint. A single CFL bulb can reduce a half ton of CO2 over the light bulb’s life. That’s a huge environmental benefit and helps you cut your carbon footprint without almost any work involved.

2. A variety of shapes and sizes. At one time, it was difficult to find CFL bulbs that would match up to certain interior specifications. But now, CFL bulbs can be found that work with all types of lighting, including lamps, overhead lighting, track lighting, etc.

3. They’re higher quality. A common complaint when CFL bulbs were new to the market was that they didn’t have the soft light that incandescent bulbs provided. Nowadays, they offer CFLs with all different levels of brightness, including soft white, and many people have said that the quality exceeds that of a standard bulb.

4. They last longer. CFL bulbs typically burn for 10,000 hours – but they’ve been known to last up to 50,000 hours. Compare that to a typical incandescent light, which burns from 800 – 1,500 hours, and you can see why CFLs are an obvious choice.

CFLs are a great option for homeowners who are concerned about their environmental footprint and who want to cut down energy consumption. For more information about how CFL bulbs can improve your home’s energy efficiency, contact Handyman Matters at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location in your area.

The post 4 Reasons You Should Switch to CFL Lighting in your Home appeared first on Handyman Matters.

Here are 4 signs to help you figure out if you need to repair your home’s front door.

1. They don’t keep out noise. A key function of a front door is to effectively block noise – or at least reduce it significantly. This is especially true if you live on a busy street or in a high-traffic area. If your front door isn’t keeping outdoor noise to a minimum, it may be time to consider a replacement.

2. You notice drafts underneath the door. Air coming underneath the door could tamper with your home’s overall climate. It’s also a tell-tale sign that your doors aren’t energy efficient. Newer model doors can help your home keep warm air inside during the winter months and hot air outside during the summer months.

3. When it rains, there’s water near the door. Make notes of when you see water seep through underneath the front door – that could mean that there are structural issues with the house. The main issue that arises out of a leaky front door is the potential for the wood frame around the door to rot, which could require a complete repair of the door and the frame.

4. There are broken locks, handles and hinges. If your door is older and has repairs that need to be made to the locks, handles and hinges, purchasing a replacement door should be worth considering – especially since the pros of a newer door model can far outweigh the costs of yearly repair and inefficient insulation.

These 4 tips can help you be aware of when it’s time to consider a door repair or replacement for your home. For help with a door replacement, call Handyman Matters at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME – we can help you figure out what type of door would work best for your home and take care of the installation. You can also enter your zip code above to find a Handyman Matters near you.

The post 4 Signs That You Need to Repair Your Front Door appeared first on Handyman Matters.

Do remove moldings around the floor and doorways. This will help get out the old carpet before putting in the new ones.

Don’t forget to vacuum the carpet before pulling it up. It will rid the old carpet of any excess dust that you might breathe in while pulling it up.

Do cut the carpet into strips before you begin to pull it up. This will make it easier to pull out sections, rather than trying to pull it all up at once. Use a utility knife to quickly cut strips that are 18” – 24” wide for ease of use.

Don’t forget to make sure the floor is clean and dry and tackless strips are removed. This needs to be done before you begin rolling out the new carpet on the floor. This is also a good time to double check floorboards for any loose boards or errant nails that need to be hammered down.

Do lay down new tackless strips around the edge of the room. Refrain from laying them down in front of doorways, and leave a space of ½” between the walls and the strips. Make sure that the tacks face towards the wall.

Don’t forget to lay down the under-pad in strips over the tackless strips. Trim additional underlay along the inside of the tackless strip – you can use duck-tape to seal seams.

By following these simple do’s and dont’s, you’ll be ready to lay down your new carpet in no time. Remember, home DIY is usually fun and rewarding, but sometimes you may need some additional assistance. The expert craftsmen at Handyman Matters can always help you replace and lay down new carpet. Call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to schedule a phone consultation.

The post Installing a Carpet: Do’s and Dont’s appeared first on Handyman Matters.

Without being home repair experts themselves, many homeowners are skeptical about pricing models with contracting firms because it’s difficult to know if you’re being overcharged or not. To help combat that, we’ve got a few tips for protecting yourself when hiring a handyman or contractor.

1. Be skeptical of lowball quotes. Many scam firms will lowball an offer to get a job, and then do poor work with substandard materials. They’ll ask for more money after the project has started or after getting your deposit and then never finish the work.

2. Find companies that are listed with the BBB in your local town. Companies that have a public reputation to maintain are far less likely to do sub-standard work for fear of losing more customers in the future.

3. Stay away from door-to-door contractors who offer you a deal because they had a job cancellation or available time in their schedule that they need to fill. This is a good indication of a financial scam, because they could easily take a deposit and leave without doing any work.

4. Get quotes from companies on their letterhead stating what work will be done, and get a written guarantee of performance and that the final price will not exceed the quote. Legitimate companies will be happy to provide this.

At Handyman Matters, we use the T+M (Time plus Materials) pricing model. This ensures that our customers only pay for the work completed and the materials purchased. At any time, our customers are allowed to stop services. All of our craftspersons and employees are members of the local community and have been appropriately screened, tested and trained. Additionally, they are held accountable by the local and home office for their actions and measured by customer satisfaction feedback forms.

If you haven’t already viewed the “Consumer Guide to Choosing a Home Repair or Remodeling Contractor” please visit http://www.handymanmatters.com/Consumer-Guide-Get-Job-Done-Right.asp for more information.  Since 1998 we have been working towards industry change and community consciousness.  To schedule your next job, call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to locate a Handyman Matters in your area.

The post The Pricing Conundrum: How to Make Sure You Get a Fair Price for Handyman Work appeared first on Handyman Matters.

1.  Geographic Location

Your locale plays a huge role in what type of flooring would best suit your home. Rainy climates may fare well with tile floors, while dry climates would be ideal for wood flooring.

2. Type of Room

How often will the room be used? How much daily traffic can be expected? Will it be exposed to pets? How often will it need to be cleaned? Asking yourself these questions will help you pinpoint the best type of flooring for your room.

3. Size and Layout

Floor size and layout is an important factor to look at when choosing a type of flooring. Some room shapes call for flooring that is easily cut to exact specifications. Ignoring this component could make the installation process more difficult and more expensive.

4. Cost

Whether you’re planning to put down expensive oak flooring in the living room or a more affordable linoleum in the kitchen, knowing your budget is key. Have a number in mind when speaking to a flooring expert so that you don’t waste time looking at options that aren’t going to fit within your price range.

5. Energy Efficiency

It’s true – flooring can be energy efficient.  Speaking to experts, like our craftspersons, can help you choose flooring that will be eco-friendly by decreasing your environmental footprint and reducing the levels of toxicity in your home – an especially important factor when you’re living with children and pets.

These tips aren’t completely inclusive of everything you should take into account when choosing new flooring, but they’re definitely a great starting place. Reach out to us at Handyman Matters for an expert opinion on your flooring options – we’re happy to discuss your needs and give you a quote right over the phone! Call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location near you.

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1. Reduces the Number of Slips and Falls

Slips and falls are the biggest problem that aging adults face in their home. Whether it’s a slippery hallway or poorly lit rooms, slips and falls in the home can be drastically decreased by adding handrails, grab bars and re-arranging furniture in the bedroom, bathroom, hallways and kitchen.

2. Navigation is Simplified

Oftentimes our homes aren’t laid out in a manner that’s easy for walking and navigating. There may be pieces of furniture that jut out into the hallway that can make it hard to maneuver around. In addition, a slippery rug in a hallway can create a dangerous surface. By modifying the layout of furniture and different rooms, you can create an environment that’s easier to get around – especially if assistance with a cane, walker or wheelchair is necessary.

3. Cooking Becomes Safer and More Accessible

As we age, we become more susceptible to arthritis and our grip becomes less effective. This can be overcome by switching door and cabinet handles with models that are easier to grasp, as well as replacing utensils, pots and pans with ones that have larger, ergonomic shaped handles.

4. Drastically Increases Independence

Installing handrails and bars in bathrooms as well as installing automatic lights and other home modifications can increase a person’s independence in their home for a longer amount of time. These types of modifications help keep seniors safe and independent while giving them the ability to go about their daily activities as usual.

5. Maintains a Current Standard of Living

One the biggest fears most people have as they age is a fear of having to leave their home. However, this can be delayed if a home is properly set up and modified to make it easier for aging adults to continue to live their lives independently.

Handyman Matters offers aging in place services to help you remain independent and safe in your home. By implementing universal design elements in bathrooms, kitchens and through the house, we can help you transform your home into a living space that functions efficiently for all ages and conditions. Let us perform our free 50 point assessment on your home to uncover risks you might be facing. Call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location in your area.

The post 5 Benefits of Aging In Place Home Modifications appeared first on Handyman Matters.

1. Increase the resale value of your home. Renovating a bathroom – or really any part of your home – increases its resale value. New appliances, new showerheads, updated tile – these are all cosmetic details that can improve the look and value of your home, which is an increasingly important thing to remember in a down real estate market.

2. Improve the water efficiency of your home. The majority of the water we use each day is centered around the bathroom. From taking showers and baths to flushing the toilet to brushing our teeth, we use gallons of water each day. Replacing the toilet with a low-flush model or switching out a regular showerhead for a low-flow model can drastically decrease a family’s water usage, costing less money and helping the environment.

3.  Make better use of space.  Bathrooms are often designed poorly – shoving a sink, toilet and bathtub into a tight space as easily as possible without trying to intelligently make the best use of space for the room. By remodeling, you can add more free space and cultivate a better bathroom layout – especially when you get to choose which pieces of furniture and appliances will be used.

4.  Have full creative control.  One of the biggest benefits to remodeling your bathroom, aside from the increase in resale value, is the ability to make your bathroom uniquely your own. You get to choose the cabinets and countertops. You can pick out the perfect tub or shower, and you can handpick the tile and any other design elements so that they match your home and your personality perfectly.

Remodeling a bathroom can be a fun and exciting process for many homeowners. However daunting the task of designing and installing your new hardware, Handyman Matters can help you pick out the right materials for you and your home. Call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME set up a phone consultation to get started or enter your zip code above to find a Handyman Matters in your area!

The post New Year, New Bathroom: 4 Pros to Renovating Your Home’s Bathroom appeared first on Handyman Matters.

Don’t find yourself so overwhelmed with preparations and repairs that by the time the holidays are over, you’re left with the feeling that you didn’t have a chance to sit down and simply enjoy them.

Find a quiet time free of distractions and sit down with a cup of cider or the beverage of your choice and a notepad.  Make a list of everything you’d like to accomplish during the holiday season.   Then take a second look.  Prioritize, and be realistic.  Set aside those things that can’t reasonably be accomplished by the end of the year, and focus on those that can.  New furnishings or other big purchases are nice, but save those change-ups for later, and instead spruce up the details.  Now is not the time for repainting an entire room; focus instead on the smaller, more specific things your guests will notice.  Right away, you’ve narrowed your expectations and saved yourself some worrying.

Consider the amount of time you have available versus the amount of tasks to be handled, and allot the time accordingly.  Be realistic, and don’t try to overreach your limitations.  When you feel that impulse to tackle something big, remind yourself that your family and your friends will value the time they spend with you far more than they will remember overly extravagant decorations or new carpeting or food with fancy names they can’t pronounce.

Heading the list should be the simple task of de-cluttering.  It’s amazing how items manages to stack up in such a stealthy way that, somewhere along the way, you’ve stopped even noticing it.  Begin with the front porch and entryway to your home.  Are there planters housing last summer’s dead geraniums?  A coat rack inside the door playing host to far too many items?  Conduct a quick perusal of every flat surface in your home:  Magazines on coffee tables?  Bottles of lotions and soaps on the bathroom vanity?  Knickknacks taking up space on kitchen counters?  Remember, less is always more impressive.

This holds true with holiday decorations, as well.  Go minimal:  A wreath for the door, a simple centerpiece of evergreen boughs, pinecones and an ornament or two to adorn the dining room table.   Perhaps a scented votive candle on the sideboard or other unobtrusive spot, provided no guests have allergies and no children or pets are likely to get too close or tip these over!

Here are a few more holiday spruce up tips to keep in mind:

• If some re-painting is imperative, pick smaller projects, areas that your guests are more likely to notice.

• Another easy task to keep in mind that will instantly change the look of the outside of your house is to replace outdoor light bulbs with ones of higher wattage.

• New bathroom towels and a fresh soap bottle changes up a bathroom significantly.  If you want to go an extra step, consider new fixtures or perhaps a new mirror.

• Consider safety over style.   What are the potential hazards that might trip up a guest?(those things you are now so accustomed to stepping over or avoiding that they no longer seem threatening to you)

• Is there a door that sticks?  Tile or carpeting coming loose?  Precariously hung paintings or mirrors?

• Will there be a fire in your fireplace, and if so, how sturdy is the screen, and how long has it been since you’ve have someone clean the flue?

Decide which tasks you have the time and capability to handle yourself, and then begin to delegate the rest. Remember, these are your holidays, too. Don’t spend too much of them with a paintbrush or screwdriver in hand at the expense of enjoying time with friends and family! Handyman Matters and its craftsmen stand ready to help in any way they can with repairs, remodels, hanging decorations and lights, even assisting with putting up trees. Call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location near you!

The post May Your Days Be Merry and Your Home Bright for the Holidays appeared first on Handyman Matters.

Let’s begin with the fireplace.  This needs annual maintenance, with or without any holiday decorating taking place.  Have it checked out by a Handyman Matters craftsmen to prevent the build-up of creosote and other dangerous materials that can begin to clog your chimney, causing all kinds of hazards, including an unexpected fire.

While a fireplace looks especially festive over the holidays when trimmed with boughs of branches or with pine cones and other types of decorations along the mantle, it’s not just the stockings that need to be hung with care.  All potentially flammable items should be kept well out of the reach of flames, and monitored closely.  Don’t sacrifice safety in the name of a festive atmosphere!

Never, ever leave lit candles unattended, even if you are stepping out “just for a minute or two.”

Whether you are placing your gifts under a real or an artificial tree, there are basic things to keep in mind—you’ll need a sturdy and substantial tree stand that will support the trunk and eliminate any danger of the tree toppling.  If you have curious pets or small kids, take extra precautions to anchor the tree in place.

If you are buying a real tree, check it closely before purchasing.  Stroke a branch or two with your hand, tugging very gently on the needles; if they are spilling off even before you get it home, the tree is past its prime and shouldn’t be standing in a corner of your home drying out even further.  As soon as you get your tree home, saw about an inch to an inch and a half off the base, which allows the tree to “drink” more easily.  Keep the base thoroughly immersed in a few inches of water, checking daily to add more if needed.

Check every string of lights carefully before hanging it, whether it’s for use indoors or outside.  And of course, make certain that all outdoor decorations are rated for outdoor use.  If any cords are frayed or worn, don’t try to nurse “just one more year” out of them.  NOW is the time to replace with new strings of lights that won’t compromise the safety of your house, your loved ones, or you!

Don’t overload circuits with too many strings of lights.  Employ some of the newer, portable power strips that come with a built-in circuit breaker that will trip and reset the switch if you overload the circuits.

Use only good quality extension cords, UL approved and rated for whatever use you intend to put them to.  And take care to tape them down or otherwise place them so that they don’t create a tripping hazard.

Many decorations will require the use of a ladder, and not just any old ladder.  You want one of solid construction and placed only on solid ground.  Never stand on the topmost rung of the ladder, not even “just for a second.”  One second and one misstep is all it takes to send you toppling to the ground and ruining all of your holiday plans.  And remember, it is never a bad idea to have someone standing nearby monitoring your progress when you are on a ladder or any other precarious location.

Just a few common sense precautions can make all the difference so you can be sure your holidays will be merry and bright. The professional craftsmen at Handyman Matters can get your to-do list done and make sure that your home is safely decorated for the holidays. Call us today to set up an appointment or a consultation at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location near you!

The post Keep Safety in Mind While Decorating Your Home for the Upcoming Holidays appeared first on Handyman Matters.

Let go of preconceived ideas of how rooms should be arranged, and you may be able to arrive at a solution that you couldn’t imagine before. That may mean that the master bedroom needs to go where the living room is. Or moving the kitchen may solve many layout problems.

Consider moving your staircase; it can often be designed to better connect different floor levels and improve your family’s traffic pattern even while allowing for expansion of a living room or landing.

Fireplaces are an attractive draw for buyers looking to purchase a home, but let’s be realistic.  How often do you make use of yours?  Is it more the focal point of the room or a charming decorative spot rather than a functional part of the home?  Could you make do just as easily with a smaller one, or eliminate it altogether?   With the advent of modern prefabricated metal fireplaces, it’s possible to remove an old masonry fireplace, and replace it (possibly in a new location) with a smaller and more efficient unit.

While it’s not always possible to eliminate a hallway, it is doable in some instances.  Halls don’t generally make a house feel larger or more expansive.  If you can connect rooms to each other without hallways, you’ll end up with space that feels larger and flows better.

By making bold and perhaps unexpected design moves, rearranging spaces, and thinking outside the traditional remodeling box, it’s possible to make better use of your home’s existing square footage and practically feel as though you’ve moved into a large house. Call Handyman Matters today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME for all of your exterior projects or enter your zip code above to find a location near you!

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Ideally, whoever you hire will have had background and criminal checks, a clean record and will provide excellent service. A few things you DON’T want from your contractor are:

• Smoking in your home
• Using foul language
• Playing loud or offensive music
• Leaving a mess in your home or your yard
• Leaving your home dirty
• Improperly parking their vehicles in your neighborhood

To make sure that you won’t have any of these issues, it’s important to understand how each contracting company runs their business and hires their employees. Here are three tips for choosing a contractor that will be respectful, trust worthy and family-friendly.

1. Ask to see their policy for conduct on the job. If they have written guidelines on how their contractors behave on the job, you can make sure that whoever services your home is following those rules. It also sets standards of expectations, which can be crucial if there is a miscommunication between yourself and the contractor.
2. Find out what their employee screening process is. Do they run a background check? Do they require a drug test? Finding out the answer to these questions will give you a much better idea of the expectations that the company sets for their contractors and how well they’re vetted before coming into your home.
3. Confirm how you’ll contact your craftsperson before, during, and after the job. Communication is key in contractor/homeowner relationships. Make sure you know how to get in touch with your craftsperson and handle any communication issues.

Keeping these three tips in mind will make sure that you lay the foundation for a positive work experience for both you and the craftsperson that you work with. For an even more thorough approach, check out the Handyman Matters’ Consumer Guide to Choosing a Home Repair or Remodeling Contractor at http://www.handymanmatters.com/consumer-resources/consumer-guide-for-choosing-a-home-repair-or-remodeling-contractor/ . Handyman Matters skilled craftsmen are licensed, bonded and insured and all undergo background and criminal checks to ensure you receive the highest level of service and safety. Call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location near you!

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Going Small

A little closet reorganization can work wonders in freeing up space and preparing spare rooms for guests coming to spend the holidays.

Change around some wall decorations.  Are there a few pictures that have been gathering dust in your basement or attic that deserve their turn on your walls?  Something as simple as this can give a room an entirely new appeal.

What about a new rug and/or new towels in the bathroom?  Or a stylish new container with some decorative soaps sitting next to the basin.

New pillows and a spread in the guest bedroom?

Take a close look at the things you see every day, but with a new, critical eye.  Are there scuff marks on the wall that could be banished with a simple paint touch-up?  How about doing some drywall patching?  Are there loose or curling tiles in the entryway or kitchen that could be replaced without much effort?  It’s amazing how many small things—easy-to-repair-items—escape our notice when we’ve learned to live with them every day.

Going Larger

Replacing fixtures in the kitchen or in the bathroom produces huge results with a minimum of time and expense involved.

Similarly, replacing tired and outdated curtains with new, contemporary blinds produces a huge dividend in both mood and style.  As temperatures dip outside, consider going with something warm and inviting inside.

How long have you had the same light fixtures or the same table and floor lamps?  A quick pricing trip to a local furniture or outlet store opens up a world of possibilities geared towards a variety of different budgets.  Even if you come home without a purchase, it doesn’t mean you come home without any new ideas for ways to spruce up your home.

Refinishing cabinets can be time-consuming, but the expense can be minimal, and the change in appearance huge.

If you don’t have the time and wherewithal to do an entire shower replacement, you can still tile the surround or change out the door with something that complements the shower, and gives the entire room a fresh appearance

Going Big

And in case you’ve scheduled an entire family reunion to take place at your home over the holidays, and you want to pull out all the stops, then consider a few bigger projects:

Maybe you’ve been giving some thought to “going green” in the bathroom, already.  Now might be the ideal time to go for a new shower and a new toilet that’s been on your wish list for awhile.  You can combine efficiency with style by utilizing one of the wide varieties of low-flow, high-efficiency units with clean, contemporary lines.

Adding molding to your living room and dining room walls will create a definitive new look with decorative accents.  Consider a chair rail, too.  This is a horizontal trim that can be installed alone or atop of wainscoting, and it protects walls from chair backs when guests scoot their chairs back just a little too enthusiastically from that big turkey dinner.

Renovate the floor in one or more rooms with more contemporary tile or slate, something in a neutral or warm tone that provides a more inviting atmosphere for your guests.

Ultimately, keep in mind that these changes benefit your guests and your holiday entertaining plans in the short-term, but even more importantly, they benefit you and your family far longer.  After your guests have returned home full of pleasant memories of time spent with you, you’ll be enjoying the changes you’ve made to your home for months and years to come.

Handyman Matters can help you prepare your home for fall entertaining and complete your to-do list! Call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location in your neighborhood.

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There are a couple of things that you need to keep in mind when considering a new fireplace mantle. The main thing most people think about is whether or not the new mantle will match their current home decor. This is actually not terribly important, and here’s why: a fireplace mantle will almost always become the centerpiece of the room, owing largely to its size and positioning. Since it’s such a large part of a room’s character, it will naturally set the tone for the rest of the room, meaning that it takes a lot less work to “make it fit in” than most people think. In fact, often something as relatively minor as painting the room to match the new mantle will be enough to make it fit.

One of the few times that you DO have to seriously consider the design of your mantle before upgrading is if your home is built in a very pronounced style. For instance, if you have an art-deco style home with lots of straight angles and minimalist design, a heavily embellished mantle will stand out. Or vice versa, if you live in a Victorian home with lots of molding and scroll-work on the walls, getting a sleek, modern mantle might not be doable, if you don’t want it to stand out.

You should also seriously consider your choice of material. If it’s a non-working fireplace, you can get creative with various woods and other non-standard materials; however, if it’s an actively used fireplace, your first consideration should always be function followed by form. Marble, granite, and other glossy stone will add brightness to the room, and will give the fireplace a more formal feeling. Slate, shale, and wood, on the other hand, often have the opposite effect, making a room more warm and inviting. Either way, a fireplace mantle remodel can be a fantastic way to turn your living room or den into the room you want it to be and set the mood for the entire house.

Handyman Matters can help you update your fireplace mantle to become a centerpiece in your living room or den. Enter your zip code above to find a location near you or call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME to schedule your appointment today.

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Fortunately, making sure your chimney or chimneys are in good condition is a fairly easy task, and one that can be accomplished in less than a couple of hours, provided you can make it up to the roof.

Before you get started, however, you need to understand what you’re going to be checking: the chimney cap. Modern chimneys have multiple parts protruding above the house.

The part most people think of as the chimney cap is actually the rain cap. This piece, made of metal and often shaped like an umbrella, covers the flue opening and prevents rain from entering the chimney, as well as keeping strong winds from creating a downdraft in the flue. This piece is also often covered with a fine steel mesh to keep any sparks that might have entered the chimney from flying out and causing damage. The chimney rain cap should be free of corrosion, and should be attached firmly to the flue and be very difficult to shake.

The actual chimney cap is a concrete base, either poured into the chimney or pre-made, that surrounds the flue and sits on top of the chimney. The purpose of the chimney cap is to create a tight seal between the chimney masonry and the flue, and keep out water. There are a couple of things you should be looking for when inspecting your chimney cap.

First, make sure that the cap is properly constructed. The top of the cap should be gently sloped from the flue to the edge of the cap. The edges of the cap should stick out at least 2.5 inches from the masonry sides, to keep water pouring off the cap and dripping down the masonry. Inspect the concrete for any cracks or chips, as these may lead to water entering your chimney or otherwise damaging the masonry. Also, make sure to check the space between the chimney flue and the chimney cap: It should be sealed with a flexible sealant to allow the flue to expand with heat without cracking the chimney cap.

The professionals at Handyman Matters can prepare your chimney and get it ready for fall. Call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a Handyman Matters in your area.

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Why should you worry about cracks in concrete? Well, for starters, they can be huge money-pits once the weather starts getting colder, reducing the efficiency of your heating dramatically by letting warm air escape and cold air to enter. Cracks can also allow moisture—even full on streams of water—to enter your home.

Over time, this moisture can loosen the fill around your foundation or under your driveway and lead to sinkholes or structural damage.

Repairing and sealing cracked concrete is a simple procedure, and can usually be done in a single afternoon with one trip to your local home improvement store and a couple hours of labor.

First, examine all the concrete on your property and identify cracks that need sealing. Look for water stains on concrete walls, as these can indicate micro-cracks that are difficult to see otherwise. Clean the area around the crack to remove oils and other chemicals, as these will hamper the process.

Then use a chisel and hammer to “key” the crack. This means holding the chisel at an angle to make the inside of the crack wider than the outside, and will help your sealant hold better. Remove any loose pieces or dust with a vacuum and brush.

Use a sealer recommended for your application. Generally, Epoxies are better where structural reinforcement is necessary, and polyurethanes work best for stopping leaks where no structural reinforcement is needed.

Finally, after letting the sealer cure, seal the concrete with a water-based polyurethane sealer to prevent staining and protect your concrete from abrasion. Two coats is good for walls and other low-contact areas while three or four should be used on high-traffic surfaces.

Call the experts at Handyman Matters today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME to help you seal the cracks in your concrete to protect against flooding and structural damage. You can also enter your zip code above to find a Handyman Matters in your area.

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Low-flow fixtures come in many different shapes. Some, like aerators for showers and faucets, are either screwed right on to the opening or installed somewhere in the plumbing near the actual faucet or showerhead itself. Others take the shape of full appliances that can be replaced wholesale. No matter the shape, though, low-flow upgrades offer many benefits for your home.

1) They Save You Money – This is doubly true for appliances and fixtures that are used all the time. Showers and faucets, for example, which are used multiple times per day, will pay off the cost of upgrading in less than a year. The EPA estimates that if everyone in the country switched to water-efficient appliances, the country would save $8 billion annually.

2) They Save Energy – When most people think of conserving with low-flow appliances, they generally think only of the savings on the water bill. That’s not the whole story. In fact, switching to water-efficient appliances and fixtures will also save money on energy costs, as you end up using significantly less hot water. You also extend the life of your water heater.

3) They Save the Planet – Few people realize that one of the biggest quality of life issues facing the world today is a severe shortage of fresh water in many regions. Switching to low-flow appliances and faucets lets you do your part to help out. This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to make sure that we leave the planet a little better off than when we found it.

4) Many Communities Offer Incentives – If all of these reasons weren’t enough, many communities, municipalities, counties, and even states offer incentives for installing low-flow and water-efficient appliances and fixtures. And since the EPA claims that ultra-high-efficiency WaterSense products perform better than traditional counterparts, a tax incentive is basically free money to upgrade to higher quality fixtures and appliances.

The expert craftsmen at Handyman Matters can help you save energy and money by installing low flow fixtures and appliances. Enter your zip code above to find a Handyman Matters in your area or call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME to schedule your appointment.

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1. Make sure you take care of permits.

Depending on where the building is located, there could be permits that you’ll need before starting any type of major renovation project. Permits could hinge on whether or not the work is interior or exterior, among other factors. Be sure to double check that you have all permits that you need before you get started to avoid running into complications.

2. Know who’s managing the project.

With extensive remodeling and repairs, you could have multiple projects going on simultaneously. The project manager will also manage material deliveries and handle any disputes. Make sure you know who the overall project manager is so that you can keep on top of deadlines and milestones and stay abreast of any issues that may come up during the process. This will ensure that the project runs smoothly and stays on course.

3. Plan Accordingly.

From creating a detailed budget to allowing enough time to successfully complete a renovation project, make sure that you plan for everything. A few things to keep in mind are: managing how your project will affect your tenants, making sure that there are alternatives to whatever space is being worked on (i.e., stairs available if the elevator is under maintenance), and finding the right contractor to handle the job.

Undergoing a commercial remodeling project is a large undertaking, but with the right planning and the right help, it can provide a host of benefits that will improve your building, make your tenants happier and increase the value of your property. Our expert craftsmen at Handyman Matters can assist you with all of your commercial remodeling and maintenance needs. Call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location near you!

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1. Hand Rails

Hand rails are generally installed on stairs and in longer hallways to assist with mobility and to reduce the chance of a fall. These types of safety measures are generally quick and inexpensive to install.

2. Wheelchair Ramps

Wheelchair ramps are helpful for homes that have stairs leading to the front door or have smaller levels within the home – usually a sunken living room or a few stairs that lead to the kitchen or another room in the house. Adding a wheelchair ramp adds mobility and allows a person to move around to different rooms more freely while decreasing the risk of an accident.

3. Motion Detector Lighting

Lighting beside the bed and in rooms that aren’t frequently utilized can often cause problems when light switches aren’t directly inside the room. Motion detector lighting simplifies that process by having lights turn on automatically when motion in a room is detected.

4. Bathroom Grab Bars

Bathrooms can quickly turn into a safety issue because of the fact that water can be slippery, as can showers and bathtubs. Many people will install rubber bath mats to help with stability, but bathroom grab bars are also helpful in reducing falls.

5. Non-skid Flooring

Wooden floors as well as linoleum and tile floors in kitchens can become very slippery – especially after being cleaned or polished. Non-skid flooring decreases the likelihood of a fall by making floors more traction friendly with either non-skid tile or a slip-resistant matte finish for existing floors.

At Handyman Matters, we know safety is the utmost importance for your family. That’s why we’ll even provide a complimentary home safety inspection to alert you to any potential safety issues and solutions on how to remedy them. Call us today to set up an appointment or a consultation at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location near you!

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1) Look Up - For homes with high ceilings, additional storage could be as simple as looking up. All that tall wall real estate is perfect for adding shelving and cabinetry. Try lining your walls with bookshelves, freeing up your current bookshelf space for other kinds of storage. Or hang cabinets to put away rarely used items that don’t have to be taken down/put up often. This is ideal for putting away winter clothes in preparation for the summer, or vice versa.

2) Look Down - Taking the opposite approach of tip number one, you can look down for additional space. Simple tricks, like elevating your bed-frame by a couple of inches for additional storage space underneath, or building shelving or cabinets under decorative tables, can quickly add up to a lot of spare storage space.

3) Add Some Organization - A lot of people have existing storage space that simply isn’t organized very well. Adding organizational elements like dividers, bins, extra shelving, or hanger bars can add tons of storage room to any house. Look under sinks and in closets for organizing opportunities.

4) Finishing Touches – Completing an unfinished attic, basement, or garage can be a great way to add space to any home. When it is in its unfinished state, many people simply make piles in these spaces without regard to good organizational or space-saving principles. By finishing these spaces, you will have far more manageable storage space than you previously thought. As a bonus, you can move the stuff out and houseguests in if friends drop by for an extended visit.

5) Extend a Wall - This is the most extreme organizational tip, but if you have a large open room and need extra storage space, consider extending a wall to create a new closet. This works especially well in large bedrooms where extra walk-in space might be much less important than extra hanger space. If you have wide hallways near your front door, consider building a mini vertical shoe closet for a quick way to gain some more room.

The professionals at Handyman Matters can help you increase your storage space and create more room for you to work with! Call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location near you!

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It’s not uncommon for contracting jobs to not only spiral completely out of budget and out of scope, but also greatly exceed their time estimate. Home repair contractors are known to be notoriously late for arriving for home repair projects – sometimes even four to five hours late. But we think that’s a terrible way to do business, and we don’t like treating our customers that way.

In fact, our on-time guarantee is so instilled in our crafts persons that we arrive on-time 94% of the time, and all of our crafts persons are issued company mobile phones so that they are able to call and notify you if they’re running late. Now that’s customer service.

To make sure that you never have to wait for one of our crafts persons to arrive, we developed our on-time guarantee with a precise four-step system in mind which takes into account your project’s needs, estimates the time, and recommends not only the most qualified, but also the closest crafts person to your home.

Our system:

1. Determines the scope of your project.

2. Generates an approximate budget for your project.

3. Determines the crafts person closest to your property.

4. Determines the most qualified crafts person for your project.

Our Guarantee? Our craftsmen will never arrive late without calling to notify you first.

Because being on time is about more than just being courteous. It’s about showing respect for our clients and our appreciation of their business.

You can read more about our commitment to customer service, including our time guarantee, on our “Consumer Guide to Choosing a Home Repair or Remodeling Contractor” at http://www.handymanmatters.com/Consumer-Guide-Get-Job-Done-Right.asp. Enter your zip code to schedule your appointment today or call us at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME.

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